A star student athlete at Phillips Exeter Academy accused of sex assault has beengiven an unusual punishment that advocates say could have harmed his alleged victim even more. (Published Thursday, July 14, 2016)

A star student athlete at Phillips Exeter Academy accused of sex assault has been given an unusual punishment that advocates say could have harmed his alleged victim even more.

According to an email received by necn late Thursday afternoon, an alleged cover-up has alumni outraged.

The alleged victim says Ikpeazu touched her breasts even after she told him no.

The encounter allegedly happened inside the Phillips Church basement, so she went to the school minister first. Reverend Robert Thompson allegedly suggested Ikpeazu perform an "act of penance." The alleged victim told the Globe that instead of going to police, she let Ikpeazu bake bread and deliver it to her once a week - a solution that Schollett says was likely more traumatizing than the abuse itself.

"We have a concern that perhaps they are more interested in public perception of the school than justice for individual victims," Schollett said.

That concern is being echoed by hundreds of Academy alumni who are pledging to withhold financial support from Phillips Exeter, signing a letter to the Board of Trustees calling this incident, "one of total systemic failure at the highest level."

Phillips Exeter Academy Spokesperson Robin Giampa issued a statement Thursday saying, in part, "We approach this investigation with humility, openness and a sincere desire to improve wherever we can in matters of student safety and well-being."

After reaching out to Rev. Thompson and Ikpeazu's lawyer, necn hasn't yet heard back from either party.